Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah commented on the upcoming India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match, saying that both teams feel significant pressure during their encounters. The match is set for Sunday, June 9, in New York as part of the Group A clashes.
Despite India having a stronger track record against Pakistan in T20 World Cup history, winning six out of their seven matches, Naseem observed that Indian players also feel the pressure when facing Pakistan. He emphasized that the outcome often depends on which team manages the pressure more effectively on the day of the match.
“It’s not as if there’s pressure only on Pakistan and not on India, because we can see with our eyes how much they feel the pressure as well. How you perform on the day matters because both teams have some of the world’s best players. The people in both countries are very involved, and I feel it’s the only match where there isn’t a single ball where you can relax,” Naseem Shah recently told ESPNcricinfo.
India pulled off a thrilling win against Pakistan the last time they met in the T20 World Cup a couple of years ago. Virat Kohli’s incredible unbeaten 82 helped India secure victory in a dramatic last-ball finish.
Naseem Shah: “No Significant Quality Gap Between Indian and Pakistani Players, But Pressure is Immense”
Naseem Shah believes there’s not much difference in the quality of players from India and Pakistan. He mentioned that while players try to approach it like any other game, it’s difficult due to the intense rivalry and large fan base of both teams.
“I personally don’t believe there’s a big difference in quality in the players of both countries,” Naseem says. “But if anyone claims there’s no extra pressure in an India-Pakistan match, go and ask the people of India and Pakistan! There’s huge pressure on the fans in both countries, and on the players too. You’re not human if you don’t feel pressure in such a big match,” he added.
Pakistan enters the highly anticipated match against India after a narrow loss to the USA in a Super Over. The conditions in New York have been favorable for fast bowlers, giving Pakistan hope that Naseem Shah and his fellow pacers can significantly challenge the Indian batting lineup.
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